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Paul Miller (Canadian politician)

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Paul Miller
Paul Miller, Member of the Ontario Provincial Legislature, Hamilton East - Stoney Creek, 2018.
Critic, Tourism and Sport
In office
August 23, 2018 – March 17, 2022
LeaderAndrea Horwath
Member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament
for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek
In office
October 10, 2007 – May 4, 2022
Preceded byRiding Established
Succeeded byNeil Lumsden
Personal details
Born (1951-02-07) February 7, 1951 (age 73)
Hamilton, Ontario
Political partyIndependent (2022-present)
Other political
affiliations		New Democratic (2007-2022)
SpouseCarole Paikin Miller
Children3
OccupationMechanic, Lobbyist, Local politician
Websitewww.paulmiller.ca

Paul David Miller[1] (born February 7, 1951) is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 2007 provincial election until his defeat in the 2022 Ontario general election.

He represented the riding of Hamilton East—Stoney Creek as an Ontario New Democratic Party MPP until March 17, 2022 when he was expelled from the party's caucus and barred from running again for the NDP. He sat the remainder of his term as an independent MPP and ran unsuccessfully as an independent in the June 2, 2022 election.[2]

Background

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Born in Hamilton, Miller's family moved to Stoney Creek when he was one year old. As a youth, he worked on the election campaigns of his uncle, former councillor and Hamilton Mayor, Bill Powell.

Miller worked for Hamilton Steel Hilton Works (formerly Stelco, now U.S. Steel Canada) as a mechanic-welder-fitter.[3] While at Stelco he was a member of the United Steelworkers (USW), Local 1005. On behalf of the union, Miller served as a lobbyist on Parliament Hill and at Queen's Park, participating in 9 different campaigns.

MPP Paul Miller and members of the Hamilton Local 1005 chapter of USW protesting for Sears Pensioners.

Miller is the husband of Hamilton school trustee Carole Paikin Miller.[4] Miller is related to broadcaster Steve Paikin, a cousin to his wife.

Politics

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Early political career

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Miller served as a city councillor for two terms in Stoney Creek, Ontario from 1994 to 2000. During his time on council he chaired the Parks and Recreation committee and served as a member on several other committees.[5] Miller contested the newly-created Ward 9 councillor's seat after the amalgamation of the City of Hamilton in 2000, but lost to the last mayor of Stoney Creek, Anne Bain.[6] Following his loss, he remained active in politics, working for 2004 New Democratic Party federal candidate Tony DePaulo, and for 2006 NDP federal candidate and former Member of Parliament Wayne Marston.

First terms at Queen's Park

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On July 12, 2007, he was nominated to run in Hamilton East—Stoney Creek in the 2007 Ontario general election. Miller campaigned on a platform of job retention and a promise to push for an increase in the minimum wage. He defeated Hamilton city councillor Sam Merulla for the NDP nomination.[3] Miller defeated Liberal candidate Nerene Virgin.[7]

In April 2008, Miller introduced a private member's bill that proposed to create a severance fund for workers who were owed money when their companies closed. The fund would be used to cover severances, vacation pay and other items owed to workers. Miller said, "It would allow people ... to have a little bit of a nest egg to hold them over until they get retrained or find another job." The proposed fund which would have been financed by existing companies was criticized by Labour Minister Brad Duguid, who said the fund was "nothing short of a payroll tax" and that it was "irresponsible in this economy to jack up taxes on businesses, in particular in the manufacturing sector." The proposed bill was shelved by a government committee.[8]

In 2010, Miller introduced another private member's bill called the Eramosa Karst Feeder Lands Protection Act, 2010 that would protect land near the Eramosa Karst formation. Though he was a member of the NDP, Miller introduced the bill jointly with Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP (and Ontario PC Party leader) Tim Hudak. The bill proposed to permanently protect land occupied by streams that feed into the karst formation. The land owned by the Ontario Realty Corporation was designated for possible residential development. Miller called the lands a "geological wonder". He said, "These lands are the lifeline for the Eramosa Karst... we must move now to preserve the Eramosa Karst feeder lands."[9] The bill was passed into law in the spring of 2011.[10]

In 2013, Miller was at the centre of a controversy within Queen's Park when Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath sent Paul Miller to the back bench after a dispute between the two politicians.[11]

Miller was re-elected in the 2011, and 2014 provincial elections.[12][13]

MPP Paul Miller speaking in the Ontario Legislature, 2017.

Miller served as the party's critic for Tourism, Culture and Sport and for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.[14]

In 2016, Miller advanced a bill that would look at the costs of living in various economic regions in Ontario, provide education around social assistance rates, and examine unsafe working conditions in the province.[15] While the bill's progress was terminated upon the prorogation of the Ontario legislature in September 2016, Miller immediately re-introduced the bill upon the legislature's return.

MPP Paul Miller alongside poverty reduction advocates from Hamilton.

Growing controversies

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In 2018, questions were raised about Miller's future in Ontario provincial politics after a series of allegations of bullying, racist remarks, and abuse of office resources.[16][17] The same year, a voice recording was released that showed Miller criticizing unions for doing more harm than good after it was reported that he had criticized the loyalty of an employee who took parental leave.[18][19]

A Human Rights complaint was filed against Miller in April 2018. A statement to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario claimed Miller regularly displayed sexist, racist and homophobic behaviour.[20][21]

In Ontario's 2018 election, Miller was able to claim his 4th victory in his Hamilton East-Stoney Creek Riding with more than 51 percent of the overall vote.[22]

Expulsion from the NDP

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On March 17, 2022 the party announced he would be disallowed from running in the 2022 Ontario general election and was removed from the party's caucus because he was member of an Islamophobic Facebook group.[2][23]

Miller rejected the claims against him and filed a legal suit against the Ontario NDP. The $1.3-million breach of contract claim against the NDP, Leader Andrea Horwath and two party officials, filed in a Hamilton court, alleges the Ontario NDP, Horwath and officials Lucy Watson and Michael Balagus, conspired to remove Miller from the caucus by knowingly using a false allegation.[24]

Miller subsequently announced his intention to run as an Independent in the province's 2022 election. He placed fourth, earning 6.7% of the vote and losing to Progressive Conservative challenger Neil Lumsden.

Bills Sponsored in Ontario Legislature

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Receiving Royal Assent

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Year Act Description
2012 Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, S.O. 2012, c. 4 Introduced as Bill 8, a bi-partisan measure putting safety first, promoted by Miller and Bob Bailey, (PC- Sarnia—Lambton).
2013 Lincoln Alexander Day Act, 2013, S.O. 2013, c. 18 Introduced as Bill 125, it establishes January 21 of each year a day to celebrate Hamiltonian Lincoln Alexander. It was sponsored by Miller, Ted Arnott (PC - Wellington—Halton Hills) and Bas Balkissoon (Lib - Scarborough—Rouge River).
2015 Protecting Child Performers Act, 2015, S.O. 2015, c. 2 Introduced as Bill 17, it creates the first legislated protections for child performers in Ontario's live and recorded entertainment industry. Child performers are the only form of child workers that the Government of Ontario recognizes. "This historic legislation contains provisions to protect a portion of minors’ income, ensure their education is not compromised, guarantees parental supervision, age-appropriate hours of work and breaks, and health and safety measures."[25]

Critic Roles

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Timeframe Portfolio
December 2, 2016 — March 17, 2022 Poverty Reduction
Pensions
September 10, 2013 — December 2, 2016 Tourism, Culture and Sport
June 24, 2014 — January 1, 2016 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games
October 25, 2011 — September 10, 2013 Government Services
Tourism and Culture
April 1, 2009 — September 7, 2011 Seniors' Issues
Government Services
November 9, 2007 — September 7, 2011 Pensions
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario
Tourism, Recreation and Sport
November 9, 2007 — April 1, 2009 Economic Development and Trade

Electoral record

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2022 Ontario general election: Hamilton East—Stoney Creek
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Progressive Conservative Neil Lumsden 12,166 34.60 +5.78 $47,580
New Democratic Zaigham Butt 9,614 27.34 −23.82 $82,230
Liberal Jason Farr 7,411 21.07 +8.99 $73,616
Independent Paul Miller 2,411 6.86   $8,083
Green Cassie Wylie 1,740 4.95 +0.67 $381
Ontario Party Domenic Diluca 1,052 2.99   $4,627
New Blue Jeffery Raulino 693 1.97   $11,785
Electoral Reform Cameron Rajewski 79 0.22   $0
Total valid votes/Expense limit 35,166 98.74 +0.08 $121,750
Total rejected, unmarked, and declined ballots 449 1.26 –0.08
Turnout 35,615 40.95 –12.11
Eligible voters 86,774
Progressive Conservative gain from Independent Swing +14.80
Source(s)
  • "Summary of Valid Votes Cast for Each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. 2022. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023.
  • "Statistical Summary by Electoral District" (PDF). Elections Ontario. 2022. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023.
2018 Ontario general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
New Democratic Paul Miller 22,518 51.15 +4.34
Progressive Conservative Akash Grewal 12,684 28.81 +11.06
Liberal Jennifer Stebbing 5,320 12.09 −17.07
Green Brian Munroe 1,884 4.28 +0.19
Libertarian Allan DeRoo 715 1.62 +0.03
None of the Above Linda Chenoweth 659 1.50
New People's Choice Lucina Monroy 240 0.55
Total valid votes 44,020 100.0  
Source: Elections Ontario[26]
2014 Ontario general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
New Democratic Paul Miller 19,958 46.81 -4.91
Liberal Ivan Luksic 12,433 29.16 +2.86
Progressive Conservative David Brown 7,574 17.76 -0.95
Green Greg Zink 1,742 4.09 +2.34
Libertarian Mark Burnison 676 1.59 +0.84
Freedom Britney Anne Johnston 254 0.60 +0.26
Total valid votes 42,637 100.0  
New Democratic hold Swing -3.88
Source: Elections Ontario[27]
2011 Ontario general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
New Democratic Paul Miller 20,361 51.6 +14.0
Liberal Mark Cripps 10,367 26.3 -8.8
Progressive Conservative Nancy Fiorintino 7,429 18.8 -2.5
Green W. Peter Randall 689 1.7 -3.2
Libertarian Greg Pattinson 305 0.8
Family Coalition Bob Green Innes 173 0.4 -0.6
Freedom Philip Doucette 133 0.3
Total valid votes 39,457 100.0
2007 Ontario general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
New Democratic Paul Miller 16,256 37.6
Liberal Nerene Virgin 15,171 35.1
Progressive Conservative Tara Crugnale 9,195 21.3
Green Raymond Dartsch 2,122 4.9
Family Coalition Robert Innes 451 1.0
Total valid votes 43,195 100.0
Candidates for the November 13, 2000 Hamilton, Ontario Ward 9 Councillor Election
Candidate Popular vote
Votes % ±%
Anne Bain 2,703 35.87%
Paul Miller 2,631 35.78% -
Bob Charters 2,201 29.21% -
Total votes 7,535 100%
Registered voters 17,306 43.54%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan.
Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.)
and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: [6][28]

References

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  1. ^ @ONPARLeducation (13 July 2022). "Within the halls of the Legislature are walls that contain the names of every Member of Provincial Parliament elected to Ontario's Legislature since 1867. The names for the 42nd Parliament were recently added. For the first time a Member's name was inscribed in Oji-Cree syllabics" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  2. ^ a b "Statement from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath".
  3. ^ a b Nolan, Daniel (13 July 2007). "Merulla loses bid for NDP nod". Hamilton Spectator.
  4. ^ "Carole Paikin Miller knocks Todd White out in bitter Ward 5 trustee battle".
  5. ^ About Paul Archived 2012-01-29 at the Wayback Machine, Paul Miller, MPP for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek.
  6. ^ a b Bongers, Agnes (14 November 2000). "Bain victorious in close fight; Bain's election win puts end to municipal career of Bob Charters". Hamilton Spectator.
  7. ^ "Summary of Valid Ballots Cast for Each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. 10 October 2007. p. 6 (xv). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 October 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  8. ^ Powell, Naomi (8 April 2008). "Committee shelves bill on severance fund for workers". Hamilton Spectator.
  9. ^ "Unique karst threatened, MPP worries". Hamilton Spectator. 27 January 2011.
  10. ^ Hudak, Tim (5 April 2011). "Congrats on victory to protect Eramosa Karst". The Sachem / Glanbrook Gazette.
  11. ^ "Hamilton New Democrat Paul Miller benched by NDP's Horwath | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  12. ^ "Summary of Valid Ballots Cast for Each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. 6 October 2011. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 March 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  13. ^ "General Election by District: Hamilton East-Stoney Creek". Elections Ontario. 12 June 2014. Archived from the original on 23 September 2014.
  14. ^ Reevely, David (25 June 2014). "Horwath sticks around, names NDP shadow cabinet".
  15. ^ "About – Fix The Gap". fixthegap.hamiltonpoverty.ca. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  16. ^ "NDP employee says Hamilton MPP bullied him and made racist comments | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  17. ^ "Human rights trial for two Hamilton NDP candidates". CHCH. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  18. ^ "New Democrat MPP Paul Miller blasts staff's union in spat over parental leave". Toronto Sun. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  19. ^ Thompson, Shonia (19 April 2018). "Voicemail comes back to haunt Hamilton NDP MPP". Global News. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  20. ^ Halliday, Spencer (12 April 2018). "NDP rights complaint".
  21. ^ Craggs, Samantha (12 April 2018). "Horwath reserving judgment after damning allegations from NDP staffers".
  22. ^ Pearson, Mike (7 June 2018). "NDP MPP Paul Miller rises to victory in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek". HamiltonNews.com. Retrieved 11 June 2018.
  23. ^ "Ontario NDP says ejected member was in Islamophobic Facebook group". Toronto. 23 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  24. ^ Artuso, Antonella (10 May 2022). "MPP Paul Miller launches $1.3-M lawsuit against Ontario NDP, Horwath". https://torontosun.com/. Retrieved 16 May 2022. {{cite news}}: External link in |work= (help)
  25. ^ "Protect Child Performers | ACTRA Toronto". www.actratoronto.com. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
  26. ^ "Summary of Valid Votes Cast for each Candidate" (PDF). Elections Ontario. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 December 2018. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  27. ^ Elections Ontario (2014). "Official result from the records, 032 Hamilton East—Stoney Creek" (PDF). Retrieved 27 June 2015.[permanent dead link]
  28. ^ Hughes, Rick (7 December 2000). "Recount fails to satisfy challenger". Hamilton Spectator.
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